The Golden Compass
First of a three part fantasy/sci-fi series. Some people hate it because of it's anti God message but it's a great read. I found it hard to put down. There's even a Snopes article about the film adaptation.

Clean the house!

Jeremy’s contemplating the purchase of a robotic vacuum cleaner called Roomba. I wonder if you can buy these things in Ireland? heh.
Looks like it’s not all there yet but it I’d love to give it a go. Anyone want to buy me a house warming present?